After 8 years and over 230 games, it was time for Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly to leave Napoli. The firm centre-back spent some great years in Sicily and became almost a ‘part of the furniture there. Players and managers came and went, but Koulibaly stayed. Every season, he was on the list for a move in the summer and winter transfer windows, and every season, he was priced out by the Napoli executives. Until 2022. This season, the Senegalese defender decided he needed to change the club and the country and he semi-forced out a move from Napoli. Even the fans understood the decision and were grateful he was not going to a hated rival Juventus.Kalidou Koulibaly: “When I was younger, I used to watch Chelsea games, like when @didierdrogba came from Marseille to Chelsea; then they won the Champions League & he scored the penalty, it was everything on my mind, so when I signed for Chelsea he texted me, I was really happy.” pic.twitter.com/iyC2f7LgoO— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) September 24, 2022 Koulibaly chose to switch to England at 31 and explained his decision.”You know, it’s a life choice. I wanted to change clubs. I felt like I’d given everything to Napoli. There came a point where I wanted to change life, challenge myself and throw myself into a new challenge. Chelsea arrived and it didn’t take long for me to choose. They’re one of the five best clubs in the world, with a great history; a team that’s used to winning. I’ll never stop thanking Napoli for what they gave me. Now, I felt it was time to discover something else. Signing with Chelsea was a very good thing for me. I’m very happy to be there” said Koulibaly to Le Quotidien.Koulibaly: When AFCON comes I have to be the first one there, the first one in SenegalHe started every match in Chelsea’s revamped defence, but his pace, a much-needed tool in England leagues has led him to some not-so-great performances and new coach Graham Potter chose Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta in defence in his first game in charge – a 1-1 draw with Salzburg in the Champions League. But Koulibaly is not worried.”The new coach came with some good ideas. He’s a real coach. He did some good things with Brighton. Now he is Chelsea’s manager. He has guidelines and expectations. It’s up to me to be patient, it’s up to me to show that I deserve to play, to show in training that the coach can trust me. There will be no problem. We are also in the first weeks, it is normal for the coach to rely on players who are used to the emblem of Chelsea and who have been there for a very long time. When I’m at 100%, there will be no problems. I will play again” explained Koulibaly.##NAJAVA_MECA_6670819##
